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spider milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias asperula

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis and Asclepias asperula)

Spider Milkweed, known scientifically as both Asclepias viridis and Asclepias asperula, is a fascinating plant with important ecological connections. It's known for attracting Monarch butterflies and is an excellent option to support spring Monarchs returning from migration.

Considerations for Pets

  • Spider Milkweed shares with other Asclepias species a milky, irritating sap.

Considerations for Children

  • One source notes the plant is toxic unless cooked first.

Common Names

  • Spider Milkweed
  • Green Antelopehorn (Asclepias viridis)
  • Antelope Horns (Asclepias asperula)
  • Green Milkweed
  • Green-flowered Milkweed
  • Spider Antelope Horns

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias viridis and Asclepias asperula
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family), also known as Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)
  • Subspecies: Asclepias asperula ssp. asperula and Asclepias asperula var.asperula
  • Synonym: Asclepias asperula (Decne.) Woodson

Distribution and Habitat

  • Common in pastures from Kansas to Texas.
  • Native to the Southwestern United States and Western USA.
  • Grows in dry prairies and roadsides.

Ecological Role

  • Crucial to the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly; Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Erect to spreading, perennial, herbaceous plant.
  • Grows 6 to 24 inches tall (Asclepias asperula described as growing to 1 m (3ft 3in)).
  • Dwarf species growing about a foot tall with multiple stems emerging from the root crown.
  • Green or spider milkweed is a clump-forming perennial growing 1-2 feet tall.
  • Flower clusters bear large flowers; purple hoods are dazzling against the greenish-yellow corollas.
  • Seed pods curve upward, approximating the form of an antelope horn (Asclepias asperula).
  • Leaves are thin, lanceolate.
  • Plant is an upright, smooth to sparsely hairy.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Strong attractiveness to Monarch butterflies.
  • High value butterfly nectar source (Asclepias viridis).
  • Aphids and spider mites are often found on milkweed plants.
  • Small milkweed tussock moth larvae live on milkweed.
  • The golden crab spider preys on organisms on milkweed.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Wildflower.org
  • Plants.USDA.gov
  • Dave's Garden
  • Wikimedia Commons